LayerZero is a communication technique that facilitates cross-chain functions. Its low-level messaging capabilities allow the event of omni-chain functionalities on prime of it, reminiscent of decentralized exchanges, cash market protocols and quite a few different DeFi functions that may profit from cross-chain liquidity provisions.

The LayerZero platform was launched in September 2021 with Stargate Finance, a cross-chain bridge, as the primary software constructed on it. The venture raised $261 million in three funding rounds, doubling its valuation from $1 billion to $2 billionfrom March 2022 to March 2023.

Knowledge analytics agency Nansen reported that decentralized functions (Dapps) constructed on LayerZero are a number of the top-used entities throughout blockchain platforms like Aribtrum, Optimism, Ethereum, Binance Chain and Polygon.

Within the first week of April, LayerZero-powered functions like Stargate and Radiant Finance have been most used on Arbitrum and Optimism. On Polygon, Binance Chain and Ethereum, LayerZero and its functions ranked between seventh and thirtieth regarding consumer exercise.

The first motivation for the growing adoption is the hypothesis across the native token airdrop of LayerZero. The staff has included a point out of the ZRO token of their supply code on Github, which makes an airdrop towards early customers seemingly.

Point out of ZRO token within the official documentation of LayerZero. Supply: LayerZero Gitbook

LayerZero ecosystem progress

Stargate Finance is the constructing block of the LayerZero ecosystem. The cross-chain bridge permits transfers between Ethereum, Binance Chain, Polygon, Aribtrum and Optimism with optimum liquidity and safety. The full worth locked (TVL) in Stargate swimming pools is $419 million, per DeFiLlama knowledge, second solely to the Multichain protocol.

The LayerZero protocol has additionally been used to bridge remoted ecosystems like Aptos with Ethereum, demonstrating the messaging protocol’s capability to bridge incompatible ecosystems. There’s additionally a bridge completely for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) transfers throughout Ethereum-compatible blockchains.

Apart from bridges, the messaging protocol additionally finds software in decentralized exchanges and lending protocols. Radiant Capital is the main lending platform constructed utilizing LayerZero’s know-how. The TVL of the multi-chain market-making protocol has elevated to $200 million from lower than $30 million in 2023’s begin.

InterSwap and Hashflow are constructing a cross-chain decentralized alternate like Uniswap on prime of LayerZero. Pontem Community, a DeFi hub on Aptos, can also be leveraging LayerZero’s know-how to construct its suite of DeFi functions like DEX, lending portal and a NFT market.

The LayerZero ecosystem progress seems to be growing a big moat in cross-chain functions because the airdrop frenzy brings liquidity and utilization to the functions constructed on it.

Whereas another cross-chain interoperable platforms are within the works, LayerZero is having fun with a first-mover benefit with a working design.